Cervical Cancer Screening — Why You Must Get Screened Early
How Common Is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women worldwide. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data: Approximately 660,000 new cases are diagnosed globally every year Around 350,000 women die from cervical cancer annually The overwhelming majority of cases occur in low and middle income countries where screening access is limited In Nigeria, it is the second most common cancer in women, claiming over 10,000 lives every year. What Causes Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection of the cervical lining by Human Papillomavirus HPV — a sexually transmitted infection. HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancers. Most HPV infections clear spontaneously within 1–2 years. The danger arises when the infection persists undetected and gradually transforms normal cells into pre cancerous, then cancerous, lesions. This process typically takes 15–20 years in immunocompetent women, but as few as 5–6 years in women living with HIV. How Is It Transmitted? HPV spreads through: Vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact with an infected person Genital skin to skin contact penetration is not required Many sexually active adults carry HPV without knowing it — the infection is usually completely asymptomatic. Men can carry and transmit HPV without any symptoms or approved detection test currently available for male HPV. How to Protect Yourself 1. Get Screened Regularly The WHO recommends that every woman of sexual and reproductive age be screened for cervical cancer every five years ,